Zimbabwe still Mpox free: Health Minister

Trust Freddy Suburban Correspondent

ALL suspected mpox cases, and those that might share some symptons, have been screened and Zimbabwe does not have any mpox cases, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora has assured the nation, despite some misleading social media messages.

Government has heightened surveillance for mpox at three major ports of entry bordering Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique and is closely monitoring travellers for fever and rashes, two key indicators of the disease.

Speaking on the sidelines of the National Aids Council media awards ceremony on Wednesday, Dr Mombeshora gave the all-clear on mpox, a viral illness, saying all the screenings that had been conducted had yielded zero cases.

“In Zimbabwe, we do not have any cases of mpox as of now unless there are some cases that have not been reported or recorded. However, we have trained our health personnel at ports of entry on how to screen everyone entering the country.

“We have deployed body scanners at all ports of entry, which can detect high temperatures in individuals passing through,” said Dr Mombeshora.

“Additionally, we are using handheld thermometers to detect temperatures. Two crucial indicators of mpox are high temperature and rash.”

Dr Mombeshora emphasised that Zimbabwe had the capability to test for mpox and encouraged anyone with symptoms of high fever and rash to seek immediate medical attention for screening. He dismissed false reports circulating on social media on an outbreak of mpox.

“All cases that have been suspected or thought to be, have been screened and we do not have any case. I know in the social media people are talking and posting pictures of things that they thinkt to be mpox but it’s not mpox,” he added.

Dr Mombeshora said SADC Health Ministers had a meeting last week where they agreed to come up with one strategic regional plan to deal with mpox.

Meanwhile, more healthcare workers are set to undergo training on disease recognition and management, while Government laboratories are being equipped with the necessary reagents to diagnose infections.